Pressure's On!

Have you ever been in a group and heard the words “No Pressure!” or “Pressure’s on!”? My question is, did you succumb to it? What a game golf is, to where what we think can so drastically influence the movement of a small white object less than 2” in diameter. Pressure can create such extreme physiological results such as rapid breathing, frozen motion, redirected movement patterns (yips, shanks), flustered demeanors and more. I think a key is to decide what you are going to do with that comment, “No Pressure!”

Although it isn’t always easy, I encourage my students to flick the pressure away if they don’t want it. From where is the pressure coming? Usually from thoughts about future outcome, like losing the match and what’s at stake, embarrassment of letting other teammates down or failure. Keep in mind that failure is a part of life and golf and acceptance of some failed moments is important. Not fun to go through but think of them as a learning experience that may change the outcome the next time.

How can you not let pressure get to you? Here are some ideas:

1. Let the remark slide past you and lock into your current goal. Is there a difference between a flat 2’ putt on #2 and a flat 2’ putt on 18 to save the match? No differences with the putt, just what it’s worth. You decide if you play better thinking about the future or the present task at hand.

2. Imagine the ball doing what you want to 3 times. What does success sound like, feel like and look like? Stay focused on those images.

3. In most cases you don’t have to be out there playing golf, you GET to be out there playing golf. You’re playing a game that involves moving a ball towards and into a target. Worst case scenario… it doesn’t happen. Life will go on, people will understand and you will learn something about the situation that gets stored in your memory files for future use in that same situation. The next time someone says “Pressure’s on!” I challenge you to smile and coach yourself through the moment with a self-remark “Only if I choose to accept the pressure. Right now I’m going to enjoy this putt.”!

Comments are welcome, so long as they are civil. A Facebook account is required. Abuse may result in the commenter being permanently blocked. Personal attacks are strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to remove any comments at any time.